Hi my wife and i are just starting to get ready to get out and about.
We have the van and the Ford Ranger to pull it .
But were do you start when we begin the big lap around Australia next October ?
We planned to do a number of short shake down trips with the new van an truck.
We are based in Syd .
No time limit once we start, however given its October and Christmas will be upon us just as we get started were do we go?
How best plan a trip around Australia?
Any ideas will be greatly appreciated .
Col
blaze said
09:56 PM Nov 29, 2016
turn left and then take the next fork in the road, the rest will take care of its self
cheers
blaze
Col Rennie said
10:01 PM Nov 29, 2016
LOL Is it really that easy?
We have so much to unlearn and learn to relax and go with the flow.
Is that teh message.
Eaglemax said
11:03 PM Nov 29, 2016
Its so subjective. Everyone will have a different view.
We towed our 11ft hone made van on the lap last winter. For us economy was number one and out i30 diesel meant a total fuel bill of less than $1900. Lots of free camps with every 5th day in a caravan park.
Some people only stay in CP's. Some don't at all. We don't go where tourists go but there are exceptions like the pinickles wa or monkey Mia. Both unforgettable. We have a dog that us family, that rules out lots of places.
We took only 13 weeks which resulted in one comment here of "did you see anything" which is an example of the judgements some people have.
We are just quick travellers.
They say go anticlockwise due to the winds. Probably right most times. Best thing is to make most decisions on the run and enjoy.
Tony
.
Tony Bev said
11:08 PM Nov 29, 2016
Hello Col Rennie
May I be one of the first to welcome you both to the forum
A wise man once said, that a journey of a thousand miles, starts with one small step, or words to that effect So yes, it really is that easy
I get enjoyment out of planning my trips, I use the Camps Australia Wide 8 book, as well as WikiCamps Australia, and I also talk to others on the road
I do not believe that there is a correct formula for doing the lap, because as we are all different, we all do it in a different way
Short trips are good to get the feel, of travelling
After each, (short, and long) trip, I usually see/hear/think of something, to improve on what I already have
In my opinion, so I could be wrong, if you can adapt to what you are travelling in, then you will always be happy On the other hand, if after you get the feel of travelling, you see something, which you feel is better suited to your situation, then by all means go for it
Hope that this info is useful to you
Bruce and Bev said
11:53 PM Nov 29, 2016
wikicamps app is a must (about $8 a year - but if youre not good at setting up an App, get a 15 yr old to do it for you - its easy to work once its set up properlyz) and Camps book 8 (at good book store or buy directly online) is a handy backup.
Stay away from the ocean at this time of year along with the usual school holiday destinations. All the screaming kids and caravans stacked on top of each other in CPs will put you off travelling.
Go inland during the school hols (and remember they vary from state to state).
You want a relaxed time so don't leave your free or CP (sorry - caravan park) until after rush hour is over - about 9-10am and plan to drive just 3-4 hours a day with the intention of arriving at your next stop by mid-arvo. Many free camping spots are filling up by then, as well as the CP's and you don't really want to be trying to find somewhere to stop when its getting on dusk.
Always look at low price powered and drinking water supplied places - like show grounds and the local clubs - they are usually half the price of a CP. Try to avoid paying in advance at CPs - you may not like what you see on arrival and they don't usually refund what you have paid.
Stay calm - don't speed - look at the scenery and make frequent stops to enjoy the sights and have a cuppa. At each stop put your hand on your van wheels and tow vehicle wheels to make sure one of them is not overheating. If one is very hot, get it checked as soon as you can. Remember to get in the habit of checking oil and water every morning before starting.
Unless youre heading way out into the wilderness, there is always a local supermarket (not always Coles, Woolies or Aldi), but you will be able to provision up so you don't need to pack food for a month and don't take too many clothes. If youre going north - its usually hotter and so take cooler clothes with just 1-2 warm items in case (like a pair of trackies and a warm shower proof jacket) The reverse applies when heading south of course. Many long term nomads use the Salvos and the like and dump of their clothes and buy new or near new replacements depending on the weather changes. Most of my Levi good quality jeans have come from Vinnies or wherever for a whole $10 each.
Make sure you have a Telstra mob ph if youre going out of the metro areas and most other Telco service providers just don't cut it out in the country areas. And make sure friends and family have a rough idea where you are generally heading for and stay in touch with them so they know youre ok.
If you free camp, then stop at least one night a week to catch up with all the clothes wash and long hot showers.
When you arrive at a CP and have a choice of many - stop outside and ask if you can have a look around and what sites do they have for your van (always add 3-4 feet to the length of your van as many sites are small) so you can inspect. Ask if they give a seniors discount and do the give a discount if you stay for "X" number of nights. The busy ones wont, but others usually will.
Always wave at other Nomads as they go in the opposite direction - some will ignore/not see you wave but many of the more long term nomads will. Always chat to other nomads when you pull up - a great source of good places to stay - free or paid as well as various useful nomad tips. If in a CP - always go for a walk around and look at some of the clever ideas that experienced nomads have come up with - most are happy to tell you how clever they were, how they did it and take photos if you want to.
I could go on and on - but I'm sure others will add to my list.
BUT welcome to the Grey Nomads, we encourage you to post many questions and ideas (no questions are stupid !!!) and ENJOY your travels. After a few weeks, you will be like old hands at it. And yes, a good idea to do a few one week stays not to far from home so if something goes bump in the night, you can get it fixed and have the comfort of a bed that doesn't move along the road lol
Desert Dweller said
05:39 AM Nov 30, 2016
No planning required , just head out & follow your nose. The rest will take care of itself over time. Have fun!
Call into Visitor Information Centres on your way around to see what's in each area to enjoy. Also listen to others for some advise on good spots to visit & camp.
the rocket said
07:07 AM Nov 30, 2016
Hi col rennie, welcome. Go wherever u want. U can always catch a plane back for xmas. We have recently retired and left the old life behind. It can be daunting. Like learning to swim or getting married. You do not know what u r in for but life is an adventure and the next stage is just another chapter in the book of life. Enjoy.
Bagmaker said
07:27 AM Nov 30, 2016
For us the timing was split, I have been ready for a couple years, she was on/off/on whether to go. The little one didn't care but is getting more entrenched in school life.
-- Edited by Webmaster on Wednesday 30th of November 2016 09:53:34 AM
Col Rennie said
08:04 AM Nov 30, 2016
Thank you so much for your advise .
It is greatly appreciated
Col Rennie said
08:05 AM Nov 30, 2016
Hi Bruce
Thank you so much for your advise.
Sounds like you are an old hand at this .
Keep smiling and have great day
Col Rennie said
08:10 AM Nov 30, 2016
Guys
Thank you all
What a great site for newbies to gain information .
Thank you for making us feel so welcome and for the great ideas.
traceynreno said
12:56 PM Nov 30, 2016
I know how you are feeling we picked up our new van 3 weeks again. We are staying at Pottsville south caravan park for a week. Heading to Grafton then on to south west rocks. We would really appreciate advice. Heading to Adelaide for Christmas to go over the great dividing range which would be best, Oxley HWY from Port Macquarie or Gwydir HWY from Grafton.
PeterD said
04:29 PM Nov 30, 2016
Col Rennie wrote:
LOL Is it really that easy? We have so much to unlearn and learn to relax and go with the flow. Is that the message.
Yes, in a nutshell. I think it's more fun to find your own things than be told which way to go. The main rule is to keep out of the tropics in the summer wet and the south when it's cold. In WA they tell you not to go north of Carnarvon in any month with an R in them.
If you want to try some shakedown trips before Christmas Try This Offer. You have a few days to strike. Over Christmas and January you can go bush away from water sports spots and get some good caravan parks, the crowds head for the sea-side. Then from February on you can have the run of most parks and free camping.
For off season travel in parks try a Travel auction Site. Bid no more than half their regular fee.
wendyv said
07:58 PM Nov 30, 2016
In October you could start slowly coming south down the coast, before the holiday period. There are many lovely spots along the NSW south coast and Eastern Victoria.
When we were full time travelling, we looked for somewhere inland - but not too hot - to spend about mid December to end January. Places by rivers and lakes are too popular and busy at that time, though. We went for places like Ballarat, Bendigo, Canberra; one year when we were in Qld, it was Toowoomba and Stanthorpe.
For the following summer - I am assuming you will love the travelling life - consider going to Tasmania Sept/Oct (on low or shoulder season fares) and staying there until about the follwoing April (again - cheaper fares). Is heaps to see and do in Tas and you can easily fill in the summer time there.
Robreen said
09:44 PM Nov 30, 2016
G'day all. When we started 18 months ago, some one said to us, "when you come to a T road, toss a coin. Heads go left, tails go right." Have not followed it totally. Use wikicamps, but have a good map book as well. Robert
Treecrest14 said
10:06 PM Nov 30, 2016
I'd advise to be aware of the weather/time of year - eg Cyclone season in North Qld, Peak summer seasonal rains in north WA and NT. So plan to enjoy your trip by a little fore thought and also advice from those you meet on the road.
Desert Dweller said
05:16 AM Dec 1, 2016
One thing to consider when you migrate year round with the good weather ie. North in Winter South in Summer is that everyone else is doing exactly the same thing which means that you'll never really get away from the crowds of other fine weather migrants.
Sort of like a herd of sheep, one goes & the rest follow.
PeterD said
08:23 AM Dec 1, 2016
Desert Dweller wrote:
Sort of like a herd of sheep, one goes & the rest follow.
Keith, are you saying that grey nomads should be more stupid than sheep? should we all be going to the northern tropics in the cyclone season? I don't see the north in winter and south in summer as just good sense. If you want to be amongst the herds then you go to the beach in the Christmas/January period. You may have noticed that there was a warning against that hidden amongst what you call the sheep mentality.
blaze said
08:33 AM Dec 1, 2016
I think the best time to go north is for the wet and the beginning of the dry, magic. Spent 2 years up there and loved it all
cheers
blaze
Desert Dweller said
02:52 PM Dec 1, 2016
PeterD wrote:
Desert Dweller wrote:
Sort of like a herd of sheep, one goes & the rest follow.
Keith, are you saying that grey nomads should be more stupid than sheep? should we all be going to the northern tropics in the cyclone season? I don't see the north in winter and south in summer as just good sense. If you want to be amongst the herds then you go to the beach in the Christmas/January period. You may have noticed that there was a warning against that hidden amongst what you call the sheep mentality.
Didn't mention the word ''stupid'' & it was not meant to offend anyone.
Just an observation of retirees tending to flock together at certain times of the year in certain locations.
We're not easily herded. There are many like us who try to avoid busy places.
We don't need to travel to the beach we live right next to a beach on Port Phillip Bay.
PeterD said
03:35 PM Dec 1, 2016
Desert Dweller wrote:Didn't mention the word ''stupid'' & it was not meant to offend anyone.
Oh the various idioms of Aussie English. Get yourself a copy of the "Penguine Book of Australian Slang" and see the connotations of what you said. It all comes from the old "sorting the sheep from the goats." Sorry for misconstruing your meaning
Desert Dweller said
07:56 PM Dec 1, 2016
PeterD wrote:
Desert Dweller wrote:Didn't mention the word ''stupid'' & it was not meant to offend anyone.
Oh the various idioms of Aussie English. Get yourself a copy of the "Penguine Book of Australian Slang" and see the connotations of what you said. It all comes from the old "sorting the sheep from the goats." Sorry for misconstruing your meaning
Looked up the Penguine Book, are you referring to the PENGUIN BOOK.
PeterD said
09:30 PM Dec 1, 2016
Typo there "Penguin Book of Australian Slang" - ISBN 0 14 025573 7 - look under sheep.
-- Edited by PeterD on Thursday 1st of December 2016 09:31:33 PM
Hi my wife and i are just starting to get ready to get out and about.
We have the van and the Ford Ranger to pull it .
But were do you start when we begin the big lap around Australia next October ?
We planned to do a number of short shake down trips with the new van an truck.
We are based in Syd .
No time limit once we start, however given its October and Christmas will be upon us just as we get started were do we go?
How best plan a trip around Australia?
Any ideas will be greatly appreciated .
Col
cheers
blaze
We have so much to unlearn and learn to relax and go with the flow.
Is that teh message.
Hello Col Rennie
May I be one of the first to welcome you both to the forum
A wise man once said, that a journey of a thousand miles, starts with one small step, or words to that effect
So yes, it really is that easy
I get enjoyment out of planning my trips, I use the Camps Australia Wide 8 book, as well as WikiCamps Australia, and I also talk to others on the road
I do not believe that there is a correct formula for doing the lap, because as we are all different, we all do it in a different way
Short trips are good to get the feel, of travelling
After each, (short, and long) trip, I usually see/hear/think of something, to improve on what I already have
In my opinion, so I could be wrong, if you can adapt to what you are travelling in, then you will always be happy
On the other hand, if after you get the feel of travelling, you see something, which you feel is better suited to your situation, then by all means go for it
Hope that this info is useful to you
Stay away from the ocean at this time of year along with the usual school holiday destinations. All the screaming kids and caravans stacked on top of each other in CPs will put you off travelling.
Go inland during the school hols (and remember they vary from state to state).
You want a relaxed time so don't leave your free or CP (sorry - caravan park) until after rush hour is over - about 9-10am and plan to drive just 3-4 hours a day with the intention of arriving at your next stop by mid-arvo. Many free camping spots are filling up by then, as well as the CP's and you don't really want to be trying to find somewhere to stop when its getting on dusk.
Always look at low price powered and drinking water supplied places - like show grounds and the local clubs - they are usually half the price of a CP. Try to avoid paying in advance at CPs - you may not like what you see on arrival and they don't usually refund what you have paid.
Stay calm - don't speed - look at the scenery and make frequent stops to enjoy the sights and have a cuppa. At each stop put your hand on your van wheels and tow vehicle wheels to make sure one of them is not overheating. If one is very hot, get it checked as soon as you can. Remember to get in the habit of checking oil and water every morning before starting.
Unless youre heading way out into the wilderness, there is always a local supermarket (not always Coles, Woolies or Aldi), but you will be able to provision up so you don't need to pack food for a month and don't take too many clothes. If youre going north - its usually hotter and so take cooler clothes with just 1-2 warm items in case (like a pair of trackies and a warm shower proof jacket) The reverse applies when heading south of course. Many long term nomads use the Salvos and the like and dump of their clothes and buy new or near new replacements depending on the weather changes. Most of my Levi good quality jeans have come from Vinnies or wherever for a whole $10 each.
Make sure you have a Telstra mob ph if youre going out of the metro areas and most other Telco service providers just don't cut it out in the country areas. And make sure friends and family have a rough idea where you are generally heading for and stay in touch with them so they know youre ok.
If you free camp, then stop at least one night a week to catch up with all the clothes wash and long hot showers.
When you arrive at a CP and have a choice of many - stop outside and ask if you can have a look around and what sites do they have for your van (always add 3-4 feet to the length of your van as many sites are small) so you can inspect. Ask if they give a seniors discount and do the give a discount if you stay for "X" number of nights. The busy ones wont, but others usually will.
Always wave at other Nomads as they go in the opposite direction - some will ignore/not see you wave but many of the more long term nomads will. Always chat to other nomads when you pull up - a great source of good places to stay - free or paid as well as various useful nomad tips. If in a CP - always go for a walk around and look at some of the clever ideas that experienced nomads have come up with - most are happy to tell you how clever they were, how they did it and take photos if you want to.
I could go on and on - but I'm sure others will add to my list.
BUT welcome to the Grey Nomads, we encourage you to post many questions and ideas (no questions are stupid !!!) and ENJOY your travels. After a few weeks, you will be like old hands at it. And yes, a good idea to do a few one week stays not to far from home so if something goes bump in the night, you can get it fixed and have the comfort of a bed that doesn't move along the road lol
Call into Visitor Information Centres on your way around to see what's in each area to enjoy. Also listen to others for some advise on good spots to visit & camp.
Hi col rennie, welcome. Go wherever u want. U can always catch a plane back for xmas. We have recently retired and left the old life behind. It can be daunting. Like learning to swim or getting married. You do not know what u r in for but life is an adventure and the next stage is just another chapter in the book of life. Enjoy.
For us the timing was split, I have been ready for a couple years, she was on/off/on whether to go. The little one didn't care but is getting more entrenched in school life.
-- Edited by Webmaster on Wednesday 30th of November 2016 09:53:34 AM
Thank you so much for your advise .
It is greatly appreciated
Hi Bruce
Thank you so much for your advise.
Sounds like you are an old hand at this .
Keep smiling and have great day
Guys
Thank you all
What a great site for newbies to gain information .
Thank you for making us feel so welcome and for the great ideas.
Yes, in a nutshell. I think it's more fun to find your own things than be told which way to go. The main rule is to keep out of the tropics in the summer wet and the south when it's cold. In WA they tell you not to go north of Carnarvon in any month with an R in them.
If you want to try some shakedown trips before Christmas Try This Offer. You have a few days to strike. Over Christmas and January you can go bush away from water sports spots and get some good caravan parks, the crowds head for the sea-side. Then from February on you can have the run of most parks and free camping.
For off season travel in parks try a Travel auction Site. Bid no more than half their regular fee.
When we were full time travelling, we looked for somewhere inland - but not too hot - to spend about mid December to end January. Places by rivers and lakes are too popular and busy at that time, though. We went for places like Ballarat, Bendigo, Canberra; one year when we were in Qld, it was Toowoomba and Stanthorpe.
For the following summer - I am assuming you will love the travelling life - consider going to Tasmania Sept/Oct (on low or shoulder season fares) and staying there until about the follwoing April (again - cheaper fares). Is heaps to see and do in Tas and you can easily fill in the summer time there.
One thing to consider when you migrate year round with the good weather ie. North in Winter South in Summer is that everyone else is doing exactly the same thing which means that you'll never really get away from the crowds of other fine weather migrants.
Sort of like a herd of sheep, one goes & the rest follow.
Keith, are you saying that grey nomads should be more stupid than sheep? should we all be going to the northern tropics in the cyclone season? I don't see the north in winter and south in summer as just good sense. If you want to be amongst the herds then you go to the beach in the Christmas/January period. You may have noticed that there was a warning against that hidden amongst what you call the sheep mentality.
cheers
blaze
Didn't mention the word ''stupid'' & it was not meant to offend anyone.
Just an observation of retirees tending to flock together at certain times of the year in certain locations.
We're not easily herded. There are many like us who try to avoid busy places.
We don't need to travel to the beach we live right next to a beach on Port Phillip Bay.
Oh the various idioms of Aussie English. Get yourself a copy of the "Penguine Book of Australian Slang" and see the connotations of what you said. It all comes from the old "sorting the sheep from the goats." Sorry for misconstruing your meaning
Looked up the Penguine Book, are you referring to the PENGUIN BOOK.
Typo there "Penguin Book of Australian Slang" - ISBN 0 14 025573 7 - look under sheep.
-- Edited by PeterD on Thursday 1st of December 2016 09:31:33 PM